Expedition Nevados Yanapaccha (5450 m), Pisco (5752 m) & Chopicalqui (6354 m)

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Highlights of the Cordillera Blanca. The highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is part of the spectacular Andes that form the spine of South America. A mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts over 50 peaks that exceed 15,000 feet, 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.

Peru: Expedition Nevados Yanapaccha (5450 m), Pisco (5752 m) & Chopicalqui (6354 m)
About Yanaccha Peak: Yanapaccha is found in the Llanganuco Valley, with access via the Quebrada Demanda. It is less well known and less frequented by climbers than some other peaks.

This is a moderately difficult ascent with some steep sections and crevasses, though it is ideal peak for people without much experience or for those who have not had any formal training in mountaineering. For guests without experience who want to try a challenging peak with a bit of technical climbing, we include one day of instruction on the glacier before we ascend to the summit. Our porters will help us carry tents, food, and ropes to Base Camp, but climbers carry their personal gear on the return trip.

About Pisco Peak: Pisco Peak forms part of the chain of mountains called Huandoy Massif, located in the central part of the Cordillera Blanca. Pisco is also an excellent preparation climb for those who want to undertake the larger peaks. Reaching the summit is attainable even for people without experience but who are ready for a challenge alongside more experienced climbers. It will also prepare you for more difficult ascents. From the summit you feel as if you are on top of the world.

About Chopicalqui Peak: Chopicalqui is the third peak of the Huascarán Massif, also located in the Cordillera Blanca, between the two peaks of Huascarán and Contrahierbas. With an elevation of 6,345 meters, it is the fifth highest mountain in the department (administrative region) of Ancash, and the fourth highest in the Cordillera Blanca. It is a demanding mountain with some technical climbing and this requires previous climbing experience.

Chopicalqui is appropriate for people with significant experience and alpine skills – managing rope and crampons on snow and ice walls and with good safety technique. In some years there can be steep sections of ice climbing that require the use of two ice axes and previous experience in their use is recommended.

Difficulty Condition

Travel Program

Arrival in Lima – the large city in South America; population approximately 11 million. Rest or explore the city on your own.

Overnight 
Hotel
Meals
-/-/-

This ride follows the Pan American highway north across the impressive Pacific coastal desert. Continuing toward higher terrain, you pass through the Cordillera Negra (Black Range) at Conococha Pass (4020 m) into the Santa Valley and Huaraz (3100m.) Once across the pass, you’ll see a charming view of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, without a doubt some of the most impressive scenery in the world. You can also fly via LCPERU – flight duration 50 minutes.

Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
By bus 8hours approx
Meals
B/L/-

For acclimatization we visit the Cordillera Negra, where you can see a magnificent view of the Cordillera Blanca. We’ll have a chance to see wild ducks on the beautiful lake. Wilcacocha, because of its location, is an exceptional viewpoint for the Cordillera Blanca, allowing us to identify peaks (from north to south) Huandoy, Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Hualcan, Copa,Vallunaraju, Ocshapalca, Ranrapalca, Palcaraju, Churup, and many more.

Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
1 Hour approx
Hiking
 4 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/-

The trail to Laguna Churup is one of the classic hikes of the Cordillera Blanca, challenging but a great acclimatization route. We drive to the village of Llupa, and from there begin our hike on an ancient Inca trail to Laguna (Lake) Churup. The trail narrows and steepens, but also becomes more interesting, including a small climb with fixed ropes. It is one of the most beautiful places in this varied mountain region. Churup Peak rises above the lake, a wild rocky mountain with glaciers and cliffs 5,400 meters above sea level. Here we can continue climbing and do a loop to the Churup summit trail before returning to the trailhead and back to Huaraz for the night.

Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
2 Hour approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/-

After a good breakfast we are transported in our minibus to just north of the small village of Yungay in the Santa Valley. The hike to Laguna 69 (4,450m) is the real start of the expedition, and another step in our acclimatization. We are rewarded for our efforts by fantastic views of the highest peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and the deep blue lake surrounded by glaciers. It takes about 6 hours round trip to our first camp in Cebollapampa (3.850 m).

Overnight 
Camping
Driving
3 Hours approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

After breakfast we begin to prepare our mountaineering equipment for the climb to Moraine Camp, which will take 3-3.5 hours.
Overnight 
Camping
Driving
1 Hour approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

Today we have a whole day to acquire the necessary skills for crossing glaciers and ice climbing. We’ll also become more acclimated through the day. We’ll stay another night at Moraine Camp before we will climb to the summit.

Overnight
Camping 
Hiking
 3 Hours approx.
Meals
B/L/D

This will be our first summit! The ascent follows the west wall, the most well known way through the glacier. There are crevasse fields to cross and the last 200 meters to reach the peak are 60-65% slopes. The return to Moraine Camp requires 3-4 rappels. Continue to Cebollapampa.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Driving donw
1 Hour approx.
Climbing
 8 hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

We leave Cebollapampa with light luggage to move to Refugio Peru, in front of the beginning of the glacier to the northwest. The group equipment is transported by burros. A 2 ½ hour climb on a good trail brings us to Pisco Base Camp, where we overnight in the refugio.

Overnight
Camping 
Hiking
 4 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

After a very early breakfast we climb the moraine and glacier for 6-7 hours to the peak of Nevado Pisco. You are rewarded with magnificent view of the peaks of Alpamayo, Huandoys, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Huascaran and others. Midday return to Base Camp; a total of 10-12 hours today. Overnight at the Peru Refuge.

Overnight 
Camping
Climbing
 8 hours approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

An easy 90 minute descent to the highway in Cebollapampa and then a short distance to climb to Chopicalqui Base Camp.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 5 Hours approx.
Driving
15 minutes approx
Meals
B/L/D

After a good breakfast and a small lunch, we climb the moraine, steep in some sections, and hike along the moraine crest to Moraine Camp. 4-5 hours.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 5 Hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

First we climb over the rocky moraine to the glacier. Then over the different slopes of the glacier, crossing various crevasses to camp on the glacier at High Camp. 5-6 hours.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 2 Hours approx.
Climbing
 3 hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

Chopicalqui is a demanding mountain, and the culmination of our expedition. Climb to the summit. There are seracs and crevasses to cross and sections of technical walls to climb. On the final section we have some 8-10 meters of 75º -80º slope. Descend to High Camp or Moraine Camp and continue to Base Camp. 10-13 hours today.

Overnight 
Camping
Climbing
 12 hours approx
Hiking
 5 Hours approx.
Meals
B/L/D

Today we prepare to leave early, from Moraine Camp or Base Camp to the highway, where we find our private bus. Now is the time to say goodbye to the Llanganuo Valley. Lodging at the hotel in Huaraz.

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking
 2 Hours approx.
Driving
3 Hour approx
Meals
B/L/D

Options: Flight or bus. Flights are via LC-Peru and last 50 minutes.

Overnight 
Hotel
Driving
8 Hours by bus approx.
Meals
B/-/-

Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc.

Overnight
Hotel 
Driving
1 Hours approx.
Meals
B/-/-

Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc.

Overnight flight (B/-/-)

Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner

What's Included

Services included in the prices:

  • Acclimatization Tour
  • Peruvian qualified and experienced local guide/s
  • Entrance fees to the Huascaran National Park
  • Cooks and helpers
  • All meals during the tour
  • Donkey driver and donkeys
  • Camping tents (2 persons)
  • Porters for Nevados Yanapaccha and Chopicalqui
  • Kitchen equipment
  • Transportation as tour schedule / Huaraz
  • Pick up at the airport in Lima to the Hotel
  • Transfer from the Hotel to the airport and bus station
  • Transport public bus or Domestic flight Airline LC-Peru
  • Hotel Kamana 2 nights in Lima or other hotel
  • Hotel Casa Blanca 4 nights in Huaraz or other hotel

Not included:

  • International flights to Lima / Peru round trip
  • Transfer from the airport for bookings of individual flights with different times of arrival / departure
  • Exit tax at the airport in Lima
  • Travel accident and health insurance
  • Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
  • Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc.)
  • Tips

What to Bring

What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition

This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, mountaineering or mountaineering is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.

These items should be on your hiking checklist:

Hiking backpack for hiking 30 to 40 liters

Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)

Medium weight socks

Sleeping bag (-10º to 15ºC)

Small daypack for one day hiking 20 liters

Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)

Hiking boots or shoes

Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down

Rain poncho (or rain gear)

Long-sleeved shirts

Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers

Lightweight pants

Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts

Water bottle for hiking or trekking

Strong waterproof duffel bag

Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb

Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit

Regular and long underwear

Knife or multi-tool

Light cap and wool hat

Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips

The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike

Grooming and personal hygiene kit

One Hiking Buff per person

Technical Equipment for High Altitude Expedition Mountains

3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person

We recommend 2 ice screws for each client

1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person

2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company

1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains

2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)

Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters

Harness, we recommended GRIVEL company

Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress

Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company

Walking sticks (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company

Down Jacket for expedition

Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification

First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients

Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things

Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair

Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.

In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.

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» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays

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Deposit for reservations: — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!

Places: 🟢 *Available
Trip-code: Number ►PER-
Duration: 18 days
Participants: Minimal: 4 Maximal: 12
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Peru
Mountain Guide: Eric Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2023

Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
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Juventino Albino Caldua

Expert guide certified by IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA
Co-Founder, Peru Expeditions

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